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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Biofloc Technology for Nile Tilapia Fry: Technical and Economic Feasibility, Solids Control, and Stocking Density
by
Raphael de Leão Serafini
Raphael de Leão Serafini 1,
Bruno Corrêa da Silva
Bruno Corrêa da Silva 1
,
Haluko Massago
Haluko Massago 1,
Eduardo da Silva
Eduardo da Silva 2,3,4,*
and
Adolfo Jatobá
Adolfo Jatobá
Adolfo Jatobá is a Professor and Researcher at the Federal Institute of Santa Catarina – Araquari [...]
Adolfo Jatobá is a Professor and Researcher at the Federal Institute of Santa Catarina – Araquari Campus and a CNPq Research Productivity Fellow (Level 2). He holds bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral degrees in Aquaculture from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, with solid experience in aquatic animal nutrition and sustainable management. His scientific work focuses on the development and evaluation of feed additives and probiotics for fish and shrimp, biofloc technology, management of native species, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems. He coordinates and participates in research projects that combine technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality food production, fostering partnerships with research institutions, the productive sector, and the training of qualified human resources for the aquaculture agribusiness.
4,*
1
Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária e Extensão Rural de Santa Catarina (EPAGRI), Rodovia Antônio Heil, Itaipava, Itajaí 88318-112, SC, Brazil
2
Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade Life Unic Education (Life Unic), R. Sen. Felipe Schmidt, 159, Joinville 89201-440, SC, Brazil
3
Medicina Veterinária, Centro Universitário Avantis (UNIAVAN)—Balneário Camboriú, Av. Marginal Leste, 3600, Balneário Camboriú 88339-125, SC, Brazil
4
Aquaculture Laboratory, Catarinense Federal Institute, Campus Araquari (IFC), BR-280 Km 27, Araquari 89245-000, SC, Brazil
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Submission received: 6 August 2025
/
Revised: 6 October 2025
/
Accepted: 8 October 2025
/
Published: 10 October 2025
Simple Summary
Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food production sectors, but its success depends on developing methods that reduce costs and environmental impacts. This study evaluated the use of the biofloc system, a technique that uses microorganisms and organic matter present in the water to improve water quality and provide natural food for fish. We tested whether this system could support the early growth of Nile tilapia fry under different stocking densities, and whether controlling the amount of solids in the water would improve results. Our findings showed that the biofloc system can partially replace feed, maintain water quality, and support the growth of tilapia fry. These results demonstrate that the system is technically feasible and may reduce production costs in aquaculture.
Abstract
This study evaluated the technical and economic feasibility of the biofloc technology (BFT) system during the fry rearing phase of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), focusing on suspended solids management, stocking density, and economic performance at a pilot scale. Three trials were conducted. The first assessed the effects of four total suspended solids (TSS) ranges (0–200, 200–400, 400–600, and 600–800 mg·L−1) on larval performance and water quality. TSS levels between 200 and 600 mg·L−1 promoted improved water quality and zootechnical performance. The second trial tested five stocking densities (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 larvae·L−1), evaluating their impact on water quality, survival, and size uniformity. Higher densities negatively affected survival (R2 = 0.84) and final weight (R2 = 0.92), while also increasing solids and nitrogenous compounds, thus impairing performance (p < 0.05). The third trial monitored six production cycles at pilot scale, evaluating zootechnical parameters, sex reversal efficiency, and economic indicators. All cycles showed survival rates above 85%, sex reversal close to 100%, and positive net margins (18.5 to 41.9%), demonstrating the viability of BFT for commercial fry operations. The results emphasize the importance of controlling suspended solids and stocking density to maintain water quality and optimize larval performance. Furthermore, the system proved economically viable, with good feed conversion rates and profitability, even without water exchange. These findings support BFT as a sustainable and efficient alternative for tilapia fry production, offering significant water savings and promising economic returns when properly managed.
Share and Cite
MDPI and ACS Style
Serafini, R.d.L.; da Silva, B.C.; Massago, H.; Silva, E.d.; Jatobá, A.
Biofloc Technology for Nile Tilapia Fry: Technical and Economic Feasibility, Solids Control, and Stocking Density. Animals 2025, 15, 2942.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15202942
AMA Style
Serafini RdL, da Silva BC, Massago H, Silva Ed, Jatobá A.
Biofloc Technology for Nile Tilapia Fry: Technical and Economic Feasibility, Solids Control, and Stocking Density. Animals. 2025; 15(20):2942.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15202942
Chicago/Turabian Style
Serafini, Raphael de Leão, Bruno Corrêa da Silva, Haluko Massago, Eduardo da Silva, and Adolfo Jatobá.
2025. "Biofloc Technology for Nile Tilapia Fry: Technical and Economic Feasibility, Solids Control, and Stocking Density" Animals 15, no. 20: 2942.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15202942
APA Style
Serafini, R. d. L., da Silva, B. C., Massago, H., Silva, E. d., & Jatobá, A.
(2025). Biofloc Technology for Nile Tilapia Fry: Technical and Economic Feasibility, Solids Control, and Stocking Density. Animals, 15(20), 2942.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15202942
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